The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) has announced the approval of the “Revitalizing the Film Industry for Livelihood (REFILE) in Eastern Africa by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions.
The project aims to focus on strengthening the film industry by regenerating and revamping the Eastern Africa film sector for sustainable growth and development in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia.
The approval was granted during the committee’s seventh session held from 27 February to 1st March 2024.
The project funding is $99,960 funded by the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD).
The project also seeks to harness the power of digital technology to promote sustainable growth, enhance livelihoods and create opportunities for young people and women in the Eastern Africa region.
Speaking at the approval event, Mzee Bwanika Juliaus, ED secretary Pearlwood said that with the emerging digital era, film makers will be able to get a wider market since digital distribution is a viable channel to sell content.
“Film makers will take a sustainable approach on how their content is consumed. The project will bring in more employment opportunities which clearly bring out the importance of education,” he said.
Bwanika added, “Sorting the marketing structure brings up a bigger opportunity to sell content since a stable market attracts more investors in the film industry.”
He also noted that for better quality of the film content, the creators need to identify one problem during production and this will solve all the future hindrances.
The projects specific objectives include;
- To strengthen and promote the film sector in Eastern Africa through mapping and creating a network of professional organizations for film and content creators.
- To widen the market for Eastern Africa audio-visual through collective e-distribution of content beyond borders.
- To build capacity of women and young IT personnel in the digital communication and OTT platform management film sector for sustainable growth and development.
The REFILE project builds on the success of previous initiatives including the 2019/21 EU/UNESCO Film project in Uganda which laid the foundation for structured growth in the film sector. With the launch of REFILE, there will be a next step towards a more resilient, inclusive and digitally advanced film industry in Eastern Africa.
The Ministry of Gender expressed deep gratitude to UNESCO for their continued support and confidence in the project’s vision. The ministry is also committed to ensuring the successful implementation of this project which is believed will be a game changer for the creative industries in the Eastern Africa region.
The RFILE project will ensure the establishment of a seamless streaming Video-on-Demand Platform (Stream East) and the formation of an Eastern Africa multi-national practitioners’ rapport.
The project will ensure that there is enhanced visibility in the region and also create employment opportunities especially for women and the youth.
All stakeholders including filmmakers, cultural practitioners and the general public are urged to engage with and support this transformative project. There is belief that together with all stakeholders, the growth of a vibrant, sustainable and globally competitive film industry in Eastern Africa will be achieved.
